27/10/2026
It is very unfortunate that many people are still buying properties blindly.
Recently, I met a man who lamented bitterly about how he lost his land and property to the government.
The man is a mechanic and car dealer. There was a time when business was going so well for him that he used some of his cars to swap for lands.
With the money he made, he also built a three-bedroom bungalow.
Unfortunately, when the demolition exercise took place in Lagos State three years ago, he was among those badly affected. His house was demolished, and the government also revoked his land due to a lack of proper documentation.
Sadly, many people still buy land out of ignorance because they do not understand the importance of due diligence.
Some do not even know that there are government ministries and agencies responsible for land administration and surveying, where they can verify and chart properties before making payments.
Some do not bother to find out what the town planning regulations of the state or area where they intend to buy land say.
They do not know that certain lands are designated for commercial, industrial, or residential purposes. Buying land without understanding its approved use can lead to serious problems in the future.
Some people do not even know the importance of conducting legal searches to find out whether a property is involved in a dispute or is subject to any legal restrictions.
The fact that Nigeria sometimes appears to be a lawless country does not mean the law will not catch up with you someday. Unfortunately, this is why many people become victims of circumstances they could have avoided.
Before you buy any property, do your due diligence.
___Chuka Ome
